Cherub Archive

Pick of the Week – Volume 89

October 21, 2025October 20, 2025 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Discounted Things

Originally appearing at the base of “The Sistine Madonna,” this angel has charmed centuries of adorers with those cherubic cheeks and golden curls. The painting was commissioned by Pope Julius II; Raphael Sanzio painted this iconic work for the church of San Sisto, Piacenza.

Since its creation, many theories have been proposed about the two angels at the bottom. Some believed that Raphael was inspired by his view of the street outside and two children gazing longingly into a bakery window (something we can all identify with, right?). Another proposed that two children came to watch Raphael while he painted the Madonna. So enchanted by the duo, Raphael added them to his masterpiece.

Mimicking the angel at the base of the famous painting, this brooch – a tiny portrait captured on porcelain – has been part of our inventory for more than a decade. Enveloped within an entwined rope border, this miniature masterpiece is framed in 14-karat yellow gold. Resting his rosy cheek in his chubby, dimpled hand, this charming cherub looks on in quiet adoration.

With an unbelievable savings of more than 65%, we are dropping this Victorian beauty from $4,250.00 to a mere $1,500.00. If you’ve been admiring it from afar, it’s time to get up close. Drop by our store or our site and make it yours.

“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 17

September 16, 2023July 4, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Are you seeing double? At first glance, it would seem so… but upon closer inspection of this Art Nouveau darling – you’ll discover a difference or two. Identical amethyst stones are cradled in a matte gold engraved frame; what a stunning canvas they create for this pair of delightful paintings!

First, on the left side, a young girl mischievously holds a colorful bouquet of flowers over the head of her playmate, a golden-haired cherub. Then, on the right, an impish cherub sits on the lap of a girl with a nosegay of posies in hand while she holds his bow in the air. What an array of whimsical imagery!

Art Nouveau (1890-1910) revealed in the female form. It was a celebration of the woman, often combined with nature. Multicolored enamel brought life to the jewels created during this time. Soft colored gemstones like moonstone, amethyst, and pearls added an element of shimmer to this wearable art. Pieces from this era are highly sought after and often collected; much like this brooch that made its way into Joe’s Special Box.

Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Quiet Adoration

September 16, 2023June 29, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Cherub Wings

This late Victorian or early Art Nouveau brooch always makes me smile. The image has long been used on everything from postcards to T-shirts. I knew it was “Raphael’s angel” – what I didn’t know was that this pensive cherub was just a small part of a much larger painting.

Created in 1512 by Raphael Sanzio, this awe-inspiring work is titled “The Sistine Madonna“. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II for the church of San Sisto, Piacenza. For over 500 years, many have expostulated about the symbolism and meaning of these two cherubim… here are two of my favorites.

The first proposes that two children came to watch Raphael while he painted the Madonna. He was so enchanted by their demeanor that he added them to his masterpiece, exactly as they were. In the early 1900’s a second story circulated… it argued that Raphael was inspired by a pair of children that he saw on the street; the two were gazing wistfully into a bakery window. It sounds reasonable… fresh baked goods have been known to bring a dreamy look to my face a time or two!

The brooch itself is actually a tiny miniature painting on porcelain – it is fully ensconced in a yellow gold frame with a decorative entwined rope edge. The cherub rests his cheek in his left hand, and gazes upward while a glorious wing of crimson and emerald feathers curves out from his right shoulder. Rows of delicate curls cascade down both sides of his head and a soft pink blush graces this delightful cherub’s cheeks. Each of these details add interest to the piece – but for me, it all comes down to a singular point… Raphael’s reverence; quiet adoration. He gazes at God with the eyes of his heart.

“You can go to our site and look, them come to Joden and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Baubles, Bling and Discounted Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling, and Cherub Wings

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